Statistical Process Control (SPC) Tools: Gantt Chart
Manufacturing Engineering
Lesson Plan
Performance Objectives
After completing this lesson, students will be able to discuss the purpose of using a Gantt chart to the
teacher’s satisfaction.
Specific Objectives
 Explain the purpose of a Gantt chart when used as a tool in Statistical Process Control (SPC)
 Research and discuss terms used in Statistical Process Control
 Discuss how a Gantt chart can be used to help complete projects more efficiently
Terms
 Process mapping- using a visual flowchart to identify the sequential steps in a work process
 Brainstorming- working with a group to create a list of possible options to correct a problem
(or defect)
 Variation- defects that occur during the work process
 Real-time Data- collecting data in an operational process while it happens
 Project Management- is the process of organizing, planning, and controlling the use of resources to
complete a project in a timely manner
 Resources- assets like labor, money, and raw materials that are available to a company and used to
increase production or profit
 Risks- the possibility of problems occurring that will affect the completion of a project
 Gantt Chart- a chart used to manage a project by planning and tracking progress on various tasks in
relation to time
Time
This lesson should take approximately 180 minutes.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the activities may result
in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Manufacturing Engineering
 130.329 (c)
o (8) The student analyzes quality control systems. The student is expected to:
(A) apply statistical process control.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
1
Interdisciplinary Correlations
English Language Arts and Reading, English I
 110.31 (b)
o (1) Reading/Vocabulary Development.
Students understand new vocabulary and use it when reading and writing.
Occupational Correlation (O*Net – www.onetonline.org/)
Job Title: Industrial Engineer
O*Net Number: 17-2112.00
Reported Job Titles: Operations Engineer, Process Engineer, Engineer, Engineering Manager, Supply Chain
Engineer, Manufacturing Specialist, Plant Engineer
Tasks
 Apply statistical methods and perform mathematical calculations to determine manufacturing
processes, staff requirements, and production standards.
 Plan and establish sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts or products and to promote
efficient utilization.
 Review production schedules, engineering specifications, orders, and related information to obtain
knowledge of manufacturing methods, procedures, and activities.
 Coordinate and implement quality control objectives, activities, or procedures to resolve production
problems, maximize product reliability, or minimize costs.
 Recommend methods for improving utilization of personnel, material, and utilities.
Soft Skills
 Critical Thinking
 Judgment and Decision Making
 Complex Problem Solving
 Active Learning
Accommodations for Learning Differences
It is important that lessons accommodate the needs of every learner. These lessons may be modified to
accommodate your students with learning differences by referring to the files found on the Special
Populations page of this website.
Preparation
 Review and become familiar with the terminology, website links, and the slide presentation.
 Have materials, slide presentation, and websites ready prior to the start of the lesson.
References
 http://websters.yourdictionary.com
 http://www.thefreedictionary.com
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
2
Instructional Aids
 Statistical Process Control (SPC) Tools: Gantt Chart slide presentation and notes
 Warm-up Activity (Slide 3)
 SPC Tools: Gantt Chart Matching Terms and Definitions handout for each student
 SPC Tools: Gantt Chart Matching Terms and Definitions Answer Key
 SPC Tools: Gantt Chart Quiz for each student
 SPC Tools: Gantt Chart Quiz Answer Key
Introduction
The main purpose of this lesson is to help students understand the purpose of using a Gantt chart as an SPC
tool.
Ask

When you have several tasks to complete, why is it important to make a “to do” list?

If you have ever attempted to assemble a manufactured cabinet or shelf out of the box, you will soon
realize it is very difficult without the directions.
We will discuss the purpose of a Gantt chart and how it is used as a guide to provide direction for
completing large projects.
Say

Show
 Videos or photos of completed construction projects, building restorations, and manufacturing
assembly lines. (Many of these types of projects were completed using SPC tools like Gantt charts.)
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
3
Outline
MI
OUTLINE
I.
II.
Introduction of lesson
A. Bell Work Activity
B. Warm-up Activity
Statistical Process Control (SPC) Tools:
Gantt chart
A. Overview
B. The purpose of a Gantt chart
III.
Using a Gantt chart
A. SPC terms
B. Gantt chart examples
IV.
SPC Tools: Gantt chart Quiz
NOTES TO TEACHER
Begin SPC Tools: Gantt chart
slide presentation.
Have students work on the
Bell Work Activity.
(Slide 2)
Warm-up Activity:
Using SPC Tools: Gantt Chart
Matching Terms and
Definitions handout,
students (in pairs)
will teach each other the
terms and definitions. They
may do computer-based
research to look up the
meaning.
(Slide 3)
Review, discuss, and
overview SPC Tools: Gantt
Chart.
(Slides 4-8)
Each slide is meant to be
discussed. Have some
background knowledge, and
challenge the students to
make some contributions to
the discussion.
Administer quiz and grade
using answer key.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
4
Multiple Intelligences Guide
Existentialist
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Kinesthetic/
Bodily
Logical/
Mathematical
Musical/Rhythmic
Naturalist
Verbal/Linguistic
Visual/Spatial
Application
Guided Practice
The teacher and students search the Internet to find different sources to gain more insight into the following
concepts:
 Unique ways Gantt charts are created and used in SPC in various manufacturing environments, and
 How companies use SPC to increase market share and increase efficiency.
Independent Practice
 Have students write a 50-word essay on at least three projects they could use a Gantt chart with to
help them complete projects more efficiently.
 Have students go online and research the different style formats of Gantt charts used in the
manufacturing industry.
Summary
Review
Students review the terms from the Warm-up Activity and key points from the SPC Tools: Gantt Chart slide
presentation.
Evaluation
Informal Assessment
Teacher will assess students with questions and answers. Students will discuss definitions of terms and key
points from the SPC Tools: Gantt Chart slide presentation.
Formal Assessment
Teacher will administer the SPC Tools: Gantt Chart Quiz.
Enrichment
Extension
Students can go online and research the history of SPC in the United States and in Europe and write a 150word paper.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
5
Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
SPC Tools: Gantt Chart
Matching Terms and Definitions
Directions
Match the terms in Section One with the definitions in Section Two.
Section One
A. Process Mapping
B. Brainstorming
C. Variation
D. Real-time Data
E. Project Management
F. Resource
G. Risks
H. Gantt Chart
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
6
Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
Section Two
1. _____ assets such as labor, money, and raw materials that are available to a company and used to
increase production or profit
2. _____ working with a group to create a list of possible options to correct a problem (or defect)
3. _____ the possibility of problems occurring that will affect the completion of a project
4. _____ is the process of organizing, planning, and controlling the use of resources to complete a project
in a timely manner
5. _____ defects that occur during the work process
6. _____ using a visual flowchart to identify the sequential steps in a work process
7. _____ a chart used to manage a project by planning and tracking progress on various tasks in relation
to time
8. _____ collecting data in an operational process while it happens
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
7
SPC Tools: Gantt Charts
Matching Terms and Definitions
Answer Key
Section Two
1. F. Resources- assets such as labor, money, and raw materials that are available to a company and
used to increase production or profit
2. B. Brainstorming- working with a group to create a list of possible options to correct a problem
(or defect)
3. G. Risks- the possibility of problems occurring that will affect the completion of a project
4. E. Project Management- is the process of organizing, planning, and controlling the use of
resources to complete a project in a timely manner
5. C. Variation- defects that occur during the work process
6. A. Process Mapping- using a visual flowchart to identify the sequential steps in a work process
7. H. Gantt Chart- a chart used to manage a project by planning and tracking progress on various
tasks in relation to time
8. D. Real-time Data- collecting data in an operational process while it happens
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
8
Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
SPC Tools: Gantt Chart
Quiz
1. A Gantt chart is used to track the ______________________________ of a project.
2. As an SPC tool, the Gantt chart gives team members the ability to understand how the key objectives of
the project are ______________________________.
3. The primary activities of a project are listed on a chart in ______________________________.
4. As each task is started and completed, the timeline is highlighted to indicate the
______________________________.
5. The chart can also be used as a focus of discussion as to how to ________________________________
for the project as well as variation issues.
6. Some of the tasks can be started ______________________________ while others can be started
______________________________, depending on process requirements.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
9
SPC Tools: Gantt Charts
Quiz Answer Key
1. A Gantt chart is used to track the ______________________________ of a project.
Answer- primary activities
2. As an SPC tool, the Gantt chart gives team members the ability to understand how the key objectives of
the project are ______________________________.
Answer- progressing over time
3. The primary activities of a project are listed on a chart in ______________________________.
Answer- relationship to a horizontal timeline
4. As each task is started and completed, the timeline is highlighted to indicate the
________________________________________.
Answer- real-time status of the activity
5. The chart can also be used as a focus of discussion as to how to ________________________________
for the project as well as variation issues.
Answer- manage risk and best use the resources available
6. Some of the tasks can be started _____________________________ while others can be started
______________________________, depending on process requirements.
Answers- simultaneously/ individually
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
10